Afghanistan: Kidnapped aid worker released after weeks of captivity

Judith D'Souza on her return to Delhi this weekend Twitter / Sushma Swaraj`

A kidnapped Catholic aid worker has been released after more than a month in captivity.

Judith D'Souza, from Calcutta, India was a humanitarian worker in Afghanistan before she was captured on June 9. But the Indian foreign minister broke the news of her return to Delhi with a tweet on Saturday.

Sushma Swaraj thanked the Afghan government for their cooperation.

D'Souza was kidnapped in Qala-e-Fatullah in Kabul, on her way home after a dinner with friends.

Investigators initially believed a terrorist group was responsible but now suspect a criminal gang that captured her in exchange for ransom. It is not known whether any sum was paid for D'Souza's release.

D'Souza had worked for the NGO Aga Khan Network as a technical advisor and promoted the role of women in Afghanistan.

Family members thanked the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, having pleaded with him to do everything possible to ensure her release.

D'Souza's brother Jerome tweeted: "Judith has been rescued by the government. Our family's joy knows no bounds. Gratitude to @PMOIndia @SushmaSwaraj @VohraManpreet [Indian ambassador to Afghanistan]."

As well as D'Souza's family, the Archbishop of Calcutta, Msgr Thomas D'Souza also gathered support, arranged prayer vigils and arranged for Catholics to write to the government to ask for her release.

related articles
Protests over police shootings continue, arrests made
Protests over police shootings continue, arrests made

Protests over police shootings continue, arrests made

India: two Christians and a baby among the dead in police shoot-out
India: two Christians and a baby among the dead in police shoot-out

India: two Christians and a baby among the dead in police shoot-out

Catholic Church in India should end \'silence\' over kidnapped Dalit bishop, say critics
Catholic Church in India should end 'silence' over kidnapped Dalit bishop, say critics

Catholic Church in India should end 'silence' over kidnapped Dalit bishop, say critics

India: Three Christians severely beaten by suspected Hindu extremists

India: Three Christians severely beaten by suspected Hindu extremists

News
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.